Pics of Cobra space frame with C5 Corvette suspension

[john chesnut]

I posted some pictures of the frame I built for my Cobra awhile ago. I thought that some of you might like to see it with the C5 Vette suspension installed. The C5 has a true double wishbone design and the parts are made from aluminum. The Vette uses a transaxle set up. This won't work in a Cobra. I converted the aluminum diff (3:42) into taking a driveshaft. The diff bolts into the backbone trans tunnel. I am using the C5 aluminum LS6 engine bolted to a tremec 6 speed. A FORD engine could of easily been used.
The frame is designed to wrap around you so that I could lower the seat. I am 6'2" and my head is well below the windshield frame when I sit in the car. The headers go up and over the footboxes so that I could have alot of footroom. This design also keeps the footboxes very cool.
The unique design of the frame transmits the suspension loads through the perimeter tubing as well as through the stressed trans tunnel. Yes, I know that I overbuilt it!
Air passing through the radiator is diverted out the side of the car. You can see the aluminum diverter for this in the front suspension shot.
I have finished this car and drive it as much as possible. It's fast, smooth, and handles very well. (gets over 30mpg) I love driving my Cobra replica and I like the fact that I built it myself, myway. Thanks for looking, John

[redd]

any photos of completed car? looks great.

[Hank F]

John,what is the weight of your completed car?
Hank

[mickmate]

That's some serious engineering John, time to buckle down to our winter projects huh.

[john chesnut]

Nick, I am worn out. I recently finshed my latest car, the black one. I am taking a break for awhile.
I need to load some pics of the finished car into the computer and then I can post them. I am on a trip so won't get a chance to do that for awhile.

The final car weighs 2450lbs. I built it with thick wall tubing that I had laying around and with a pretty heavy body. If I were to build again it again I could get it close to 2000lbs. The black car is under 2000lbs.

Here are a few pics as I was building it.

[mickmate]

Some very innovative design features John. That frame is aluminum isn't it? The lightweight version will be a featherweight. Enjoy a rest and give us a chance to catch up a little.

[Ant]

Those suspension arms might be suitable for my project depending on length and where I can locate them as I am having to start again with what I have in photo as the certification people dont like the T/Bird upright upside down.